If HPV wasn't sinister enough, it's now being linked to heart disease in women, even women without any traditional risk factors for heart issues. According to the research, from University of Texas, which appeared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers say that, while more research is still needed, health experts may soon be encouraged to start screening HPV patients for heart disease. This is potentially a big deal because it is estimated that more than a quarter of the U.S. populations carries certain strains of HPV. (And, in case you missed it: More must-read HPV news and how it may affect your man.)

The takeaway: If you have HPV, have your doctor keep an eye on your heart, too.